Types of Moss & Ferns We Use in Our Art

There are over 22,000 types of moss and all are unique and beautiful in their own ways. However, through the years of creating art with moss, we have found we prefer certain types of plants that we can source sustainably and preserve naturally.

We don't often disclose our techniques for making our art or how we preserve our plants, but, here we offer a rare insight into what types of moss, as well as some of the types of ferns and grasses you'll find in our pieces.

Types of Moss

Bryophyte Moss

Bryophyte is a general category of nonvascular plants, it actually encompasses not only the thousands of species of moss but also liverworts and hornworts. Bryophytes by definition are naturally flowerless, with simple leaves that will only be one cell thick, they do not have seeds are usually around 10cm high. They are incredibly versatile and can be found growing all over the world in a variety of climates, on rocks, trees and bare soil.

Moss is used in the art for a variety of reasons including to improve productivity and reduce stress. Studies have also highlighted that moss can help remove pollutants from the atmosphere, providing a cleaner and safer environment.

Moss Bun/Pole Moss

Flat Moss

As the name suggests, flat moss is a flat sheet of moss and grows in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Similar to moss bun, this does provide a bright green shade that looks incredible and there are no stems or leaves. With flat moss, you can create a more minimal display in your environment that doesn’t intrude upon the space. However, it still provides all the same benefits.

Types of Ferns & Grasses

Asparagus Fern

Asparagus fern - also known as asparagus setaceus - or perhaps lace fern is a climbing fern. A fascinating point about this plant is that it’s not actually a true fern. Although, it certainly has the aesthetic of one. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant and has a soft texture with gentle features. The leaves can be up to 7mm long and provide a beautifully soft, foliage. The asparagus ferns have become popular as interior decorations because they will grow virtually anywhere. They’re commonly used in waiting rooms because they are believed to have calming qualities. These plants are native to Africa and look incredible as part of hanging art.

Bear Grass

Sea Star Fern

This is another delicate fern that has a beautiful appearance. It has fine texturing and has nearly an entire circles of fronds. This is commonly used as a complete stem and is often seen as a collar in bouquets. In hanging art, the sea star fern looks fantastic on a cream or white background and provides a stunning contrast. The beautiful quality of this plant is always going to be eye-catching and the subdued shades will fit in well with any type of decor.

Woodland Fern

Ferns are actually one of the earliest type of plants and have evolved over 300 million years. Woodland ferns are the largest male fern and grow in clumps. This evergreen fern is also known as Asplenium scolopendrium, is particularly attractive and can grow in drifts between trees and rocks. The fern has delicate fronds which mean that they have been used by horticulturalists for decades. It was particularly popular during the Victorian era. There are a wide variety of different species of woodland fern that all provide different shades and aesthetic qualities. As such they offer a great deal of variation that ensures we can create stunning art.

These are just a few of our favorite mosses, ferns and grasses that are used in our creations. If you have any questions about the plants we use or different types of moss, feel free to reach out to us! Shop our complete moss wall art collection or learn more about how we turn these green plants into sustainable and beautiful plant paintings®.